NATO defense ministers have given the green light to a plan aimed at providing reliable long-term security aid and military training for Ukraine. The decision comes after delays in Western deliveries of funds, arms, and ammunition allowed Russian forces to gain the upper hand on the battlefield.
The plan, which was approved during a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels, will complement existing efforts through the Pentagon-run Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This new initiative will be headquartered at a U.S. military base in Wiesbaden, Germany and will involve nearly 700 staff members.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the plan will focus on organizing training for Ukrainian military personnel in member countries of the alliance, coordinating and planning donations of necessary equipment, and managing the transfer and repair of military materiel.
The effort is seen as a way to ensure continued NATO support for Ukraine, regardless of changes in political leadership. The plan aims to establish a structure that is resilient and not dependent on specific individuals or governments.
While some allies, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, have raised objections, the majority of NATO members are moving forward with the plan to assist Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian forces are facing significant challenges due to a shortage of troops, ammunition, and air defenses.
Military analysts predict that Ukraine will need to withstand the Russian onslaught through the summer and focus on training more soldiers and fortifying defenses. The hope is that Western military aid deliveries will accelerate, allowing Kyiv to launch a counteroffensive next year.
NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg has emphasized the importance of maintaining current levels of military support for Ukraine, estimated at around 40 billion euros ($43 billion) worth of equipment annually. Discussions on this matter are expected to take place during an upcoming summit in Washington.
